Emiliano Martinez came to the limelight following his great showcase during the FIFA World Cup where the 30-year-old rescued Argentina on numerous occasions and led the nation to glory via a supreme display of goalkeeping.
However, the Aston Villa goalkeeper was brutally criticized by the whole footballing world due to his gesture after claiming the best goalie award and during Argentina’s trophy parade.
What’s your thoughts on Emi Martinez holding a baby doll with a Kylian Mbappe mask? I thought there was no need for him to do it & it’s now getting a bit to much. pic.twitter.com/DRDEjVU4w6
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) December 21, 2022
Argentina celebrated their World Cup victory in Buenos Aires in front of thousands of supporters while at some point, a fan threw a baby doll with Mbappe’s face on it towards Martinez and the showstopper made a mockery of the Frenchman lifting and dancing with it indicating in a bad manner.
“I held it [baby doll] for like two minutes and I threw it away, that’s all. How can I make fun of Mbappe? He scored four past me. Four goals in a final! He must think I am his toy baby! I have huge respect for Mbappe.”- the Argentine goalkeeper said.
Emi Martinez is very popular for his trash-talking and shit-housery as the Arsenal reject has very little to celebrate about during his career and the penalty shootout specialist made the most of the rare chance he received.
Absolutely love the fact that Emiliano Martinez always finds a way to bring his penalty shithousery into the mix, just like in Copa América against Colombia.
Here, he’s seen gesturing towards CR7 to take it when Bruno had the ball in hand. Love it 😂 pic.twitter.com/qV1IHf45vc
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) September 25, 2021
Kylian Mbappe is undoubtedly the hero of the final after scoring a hat-trick and arguably carrying the whole team on his shoulder but was felt just short on what could be a dream for him.
“Mbappe is one of the best footballers in the planet. Whenever he got the ball, I felt scared. There is no room to disrespect this kind of dangerous footballers.”- Martinez further added.
“I told him that it was a pleasure to play against him and that he almost won this match alone. He has immense talent. When Messi stops, I’m sure Kylian will win many Ballon d’Ors.”- the Aston Villa goalie concluded.
Emi Martinez talking about Kylian Mbappe. pic.twitter.com/iGRIcfSAhL
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) February 11, 2023
The French Football Federation and the supporters of Les Bleus went raging after what Martinez did and now the Argentine came up with a statement like this will ease the situation a bit, but an apology might be too much of asking.
